The Army and emergency services will be out in force at Musselburgh Racecourse on Sunday 25 September 2016 for the final family race day of the summer season.
Soldiers from The Royal Regiment of Scotland will join with police, fire service, ambulance and coastguard representatives for the annual Supporting Your Services Race Day.
Piping displays, armoured vehicles, an inflatable assault course and climbing wall offer something for families of all ages and the Royal Scots Pipe Band and The Regimental Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland will get the afternoon off to a rousing start with a range of traditional tunes as they parade along the racecourse home straight.
Two competitive pony races featuring the potential next generation of jockeys will be under starter’s orders at 1pm and 1.10pm, while free fairground rides and bouncy castles keep the fun going throughout the afternoon.
The thrill of turf racing springs in to action at 2pm with the first of seven races, including the £25,000 feature race, the mile long EBF Stallions Scottish Premier Fillies’ Handicap at 4.10pm.
As the penultimate flat meeting of Musselburgh’s season, racegoers will be keen to see if Joe Fanning can continue his strong challenge for the champion jockey title at the East Lothian course, while only one win separates Mark Johnston and Keith Dalgleish in the trainer’s championship.
Musselburgh Racecourse senior operations and commercial manager, Sarah Montgomery, said: “Our Supporting your Services day is one of our most popular family meetings and there is something for everyone, of all ages and all interests.
“We are delighted to welcome the brave men and women who make up our armed and emergency services who keep Scotland safe on a daily basis and it’s a fun afternoon which gives a great insight in to the important role they fill.
“With many free interactive attractions and traditional children’s fairground rides, this is an afternoon where families get real value for money against a backdrop of competitive horse racing.”
The racecourse played host to more than 5000 people last weekend when it opened the gates to welcome finishers and their supporters in the Scottish Half Marathon + 10k races.
Sarah Montgomery added: “The racecourse provides a brilliant natural stage to welcome home the runners of both races and we were delighted to host the competitors and their family and friends who were here to cheer them over the finishing line.”
Gates open on Sunday for the Supporting Your Services Family Day at noon, the first race is at 2pm and the last race at 5.15pm. Free courtesy buses will pick up and return racegoers from Wallyford and Newcraighall railway stations.
To book tickets and for more information please visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk
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